How to Say ‘Something I'd like to ask’ in Japanese
お伺いしたいこと
o ukagai shi tai koto
[oh oo-kah-gah-ee shee tie koh-toh]
💬 Usage Tip: 伺う (ukagau) is a humble verb that can mean "to ask" or "to visit", depending on context. Adding お and したい turns it into a very polite "want to ask".
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific/polite prefix
A polite prefix that makes a word sound more refined or respectful.
おすすめのおは、ことばを丁寧にします。
The o in osusume makes the word more polite.
伺い
ukagai
[oo-kah-gah-ee]
to ask; to visit; to hear (humble)
A humble verb used in polite business Japanese when asking or hearing from someone.
御社の雰囲気について伺いたいです。
I would like to ask about your company's atmosphere.
し
shi
[shee]
do (stem)
Verb stem used as part of the fixed polite request phrase.
注文をお願いし、ます。
I would like to place the order, please.
たい
tai
[tie]
want to do
Shows the speaker's desire to do an action.
住民登録をしたいです。
I would like to do residency registration.
こと
koto
[koh-toh]
thing; matter; (nominalizer)
Turns verbs/clauses into a “thing/matter.” In relationship talk: 「話したいこと」 = “something I want to talk about.”
話したいことがある。
There’s something I want to talk about.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager